Horse, rescue group both get help

After a five day hunt, this injured horse was brought to Hidden Springs Horse Rescue.

By Staff Report
Published: September 06, 2009

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After several days of searching, a local organization found a missing horse Thursday and is now caring for the animal.
Approximately one week ago, officials with Hidden Springs Horse Rescue said they received a horse in distress call. Area residents had reported an injured horse running loose in the woods in the Hasty Pond area, located approximately 14 miles south of Marianna.
The horse was located and tracked on foot, by horseback and by ATV. The animal eluded the rescue workers, leading them on a four-day chase through fallen timber, logging roads and treacherous terrain.
On the fifth day, Kim Westin of the Jackson County Animal Control office lent a helping hand. She used her sharpshooting skills with a humane-dart tranquilizing gun to sedate the horse. This allowed the rescue workers to approach and capture the horse.
The horse was then transported to Hidden Springs Horse Ranch, located 12 miles south of Marianna on Highway 73.
The rescue group immediately began performing medical care for the injuries which the horse sustained during his journey in the wild. The horse is now undergoing treatment for his lacerations, puncture wounds, a swollen knee and multiple abrasions and other related injuries.
Hidden Springs is still searching for the owner of the young Palomino stallion. Anyone with information related to this horse can call Hidden Springs at (850) 526-2231.
Just one day after the horse was rescued, the horse rescue operation itself got a needed lifeline.
According to a news release from the organization, a recent visit to the ranch a few weeks ago by representatives of the Three Rivers RC&D Council resulted a report back to RC&D. As a result, the horse rescue operation received a $5,000 emergency operating grant.
The check was handed over to Hidden Springs director Melanie Higdon on Sept. 4. The Three Rivers council said it plans to provide continued support for Hidden Spring.
The rescue group is a nonprofit organization, funded mainly by Roger and Melanie Higdon of Marianna. Hidden Springs rescues, cares for, rehabilitates and adopt the horses to new homes.
In order to continue to operate at its current level, Hidden Springs said in the news release it will require funding to meet its annual budget of nearly $100,000 per year. Hidden Springs has taken in and found homes for nearly 125 horses since May 2008, according to figures released by the horse rescue operating.
It houses an average of 30 rescue horses at all times, and reports that the need for their services is increasing, while donations from the public are in decline.